Own Your Path - Episode 7

Allow people to be who they are and try to understand where they are at."— David Topp In this episode, Holly & Kristin talk with David, Lauren, Leah, and Sydney Topp about: Being an advocate for women and girls – three beautiful examples of strong young women taking their place in the world. The importance of allowing people to be themselves and shine in the world. How David’s daughters have been supported by their mom (Lisa) and dad – and the importance of partnership in leading family and those you lead in the world and workplace. Key Takeaways Women of all ages need strong, supportive men in their lives to sponsor them and lift them up in the world and help pave the way to success. Learn to listen from the other person’s point of view. We don’t have all the answers ourselves. Be conscious and have an understanding of your own personal biases. Be transparent with others who are different and seek to understand each other's world and point of view. It will make you a better person and a better leader. Men also need women mentors and sponsors to help them better understand the world from the female perspective. Having a safe space that encourages open dialog is tremendously beneficial to see the world from many different vantage points. Do what you want to do and be yourself… do what makes you happy… don’t be afraid. There is support out there. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. David Topp, is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer at Sterling Pharma Solutions where he has global responsibility for the company’s human resources function. David has more than 20 years of experience within human resources and joined Sterling from Ellsworth Adhesives where he was most recently Vice President of Corporate Services. He has also held a number of leadership and senior executive roles at Sensient Technologies Corporation, Gehl Foods, and the YMCA. He has a master’s degree in Management from Cardinal Strich University and a bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Organized Leadership from Purdue University. David has been a good friend and trusted thought partner on topics such as leadership, strategic thinking, and service excellence to Holly for over 20 years. He is kind, authentic, and truly demonstrates what it means to be a servant leader in the world and the workplace. It is our distinct honor to welcome Dave and his daughters to the podcast with this episode. Dave and his wife Lisa have raised three amazing young women who exhibit strength, wisdom, and courage at a time when our world needs them desperately.  We hope they encourage other women, young and old alike, to step into all they can be through their inspiring stories. Lauren Topp, 22, is in her final semester of nursing school.  She has an interest in critical care, cardiac care, ICU, and emergency room work.  She also works as a barista at a local coffee shop for fun and plans to keep that job for a while. Leah Topp, 20, is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire double major in criminal justice and psychology with a minor in Spanish.  She also just finished a twelve-week intensive course in Persian.  Leah is in Army ROTC and upon graduation will commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army. Sydney Topp, is a junior at Menomonee Falls High School and is trained as peer support for other high school students who need someone of their age to speak with during difficult times.  Sydney has an interest in becoming a social worker. Connect with David: Email:              [email protected] LinkedIn:          https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetopp   UPLIFTING WOMEN HOSTS Kristin Strunk and Holly Teska Your co-hosts of the UPLIFTING WOMEN PODCAST, Holly Teska & Kristin Strunk, are women who UPLIFT other women at work and in the world.  Every other week they bring uplifting women guests to share their personal stories of challenge and triumph to inform and inspire their listeners.  The podcast also features guests who have played a significant role in honoring women and their place in the world by serving as promoters, sponsors, and coaches to the many women in their personal and professional lives. Join Holly and Kristin as they hear how their guests navigate the world of career aspirations, life, love, and family. Get advice from successful women who have figured out their own version of "secret sauce" to create the life they love. Holly believes the world needs the best leaders it can build; those who demonstrate integrity, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, and confidence. This type of leader brings out the best in others and delivers outstanding results. Holly feels we need everyone to perform at 100% to making our world a better place. Holly's experience in leadership, executive coaching, and talent development is the foundation of her career.  She has helped bright and motivated leaders become the very best versions of themselves. Through direct feedback, reflection, experimentation, and honest conversation, she will push you to excel at what you were called to do. Holly is especially committed to helping women navigate the choppy waters of today's fast-paced workplace and evolving world conditions but works with many different individuals and situations.  She welcomes inquiries for leadership and executive coaching and speaking engagements.   Kristin's experiences have led her to the simple conclusion that leadership is simple - maybe not always easy, but simple.  Her work supporting leaders in finding their voices inspired her to find her own voice in the space of employee experience and leadership development.  She often hears the question that isn't being asked and is skilled at facilitating conversations and building relationships.  She has helped executives lead organizational transformations involving employee engagement, technology, and the new "Future of Work."  Follow her hashtag #responsibleleadership on social media to learn more about simple things leaders can do to build relationships and have a lasting positive impact.   Website:         www.upliftingwomen.net   Connect with Holly: LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyteska Twitter:           https://twitter.com/HollyTeska Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/holly.teska Instagram:      https://instagram.com/HollyTeska Personal Website:         www.hollyteska.com Email:              [email protected]   Connect with Kristin: LinkedIn:         https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-strunk Twitter:           https://twitter.com/leadadvisor Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/kristin.t.strunk Instagram:      https://instagram.com/ktuttlestrunk Personal Website:         https://regentleadershipgroup.com/ Email:              [email protected]